Youth in times of war and global conflicts
KUWAIT: Uncertainty, emotional distress, educational disruptions, loss of innocence, forced recruitment, health risks, and other unfortunate lasting aftermaths of the traumatic ordeals within war and global conflicts intertwine with the very essence of young people’s lives, suffocating their serenity and ambitions. During times of war, the profound burden of distress weigh heavily on every single soul, yet, the youth bear the lion’s share for being in a critical stage of human life cycle.
To shed light on youth’s challenges during times of war and global conflicts, Kuwait Times interviewed, Dr. Dalal Al-Baloul, faculty member at Kuwait University (who specialized in sociology), along with Jumanah Mohammed, Psychologist and Mental Health therapist. Al-Baloul elaborated on war’s impact on youth who are directly exposed to the harsh circumstances and those who are indirectly exposed but are confronted with war-related news through unsettling depiction on social media.
“Those directly exposed often struggle with intense feelings of fear and insecurity. A significant number of young people are expected to endure post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the foreseeable distant future - a condition known to prompt symptoms of anxiety, nervous tension, irritable bowel syndrome, and sever panic attacks characterized by rapid breathing and heightened heart rate, besides eating disorders,” she explained.
Regarding indirect exposure, Al-Baloul added: “The impact can be equally distressing. Such exposure has the potential to stir profound levels of fear within viewers, triggering fears and anxieties that may lie in their sub-consciousness.” On her part, Mohammed shares strategies for people to navigate their mental and emotional health in the face of distress, emphasizing on the significance of expressing emotions.
“One of the most important ways to deal with stress and psychological pressure that appear due to experiencing war and harsh conditions is to express emotions, avoid layering them up, and stay away from isolation by seeking social engagement. It is crucial to limit the repetition of viewing painful images and videos to avoid psychological setbacks.” She advised.
Al-Baloul also shared: “One advantageous approach for young individuals to manage the stress and pressures stemming from exposure to war circumstances involves acquiring skills in conscious breathing, meditation, and engaging in expressive writing to unload negative thoughts and emotions, thereby alleviating stress. Seeking guidance from mental health professionals must not be disregarded when experiencing persistent feelings of unease, fear, or tension, especially when intertwined with external events to avoid future episodes arising abruptly.”